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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DOUBTFUL ONE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN TIGERS FLEE FROM FIRE, THE DEER
Last Line: WHO FOR HIS LIFE CLINGS HAND AND FOOT.

When tigers flee from fire, the deer
Have nothing but that fire to fear;
So, driven by Love's flames I see
No danger save thy cruelty.

Let not thy breast, to which I fly
For pity's milk, be hard and dry:
Let not thy heart, to which I come,
Refuse my homeless life a home.

Now, wrecked and cuffed by many a sea,
I swim for safety unto thee;
Let not sharp rocks that poor wretch cut,
Who for his life clings hand and foot.



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